Third arrest over assault which left man in coma

File photo

A third man has been arrested over an alleged assault at the Viaduct in central Auckland which left a 34-year-old man in a coma with critical injuries.

Witnesses said three people were assaulting the man outside Spy Bar at 2am this morning.

Two 36-year-old men from Pt Chevalier and Te Atatu were arrested earlier today and ordered to appear in Auckland District Court on assault charges.

Police this afternoon announced a 31-year-old man had also been arrested and charged with assault.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard said the victim had been injured when he fell during an attack.

"It appears the victim was involved in an altercation near the Spy Bar in the Viaduct Basin and fell to the ground during the incident.

"We'd very much like to hear from anyone who witnessed a fight or any events leading up to the assault that has left this man in a coma."

Police were carrying out a scene examination and collecting and viewing CCTV footage from outside the bar this morning.

The victim's parents have arrived in Auckland from another part of New Zealand to be with their son, police said.

- NZ HERALD ONLINE